The LA Wallet app is allowing Louisianans to access their driver’s license on their phones, and comes with a few other perks as well. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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We are 13 months away from qualifying for the 2019 governor’s race.  Kevin Barnhart reports we’ll likely have to wait awhile before we see any Republicans jump into the race.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Many Louisiana industries are bracing to take a hit from the Chinese tariffs that went into effect Friday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The LA Wallet app that allows Louisianans to access a digital copy of their driver’s license, is available now on your Iphone or Android app store. The app was developed by a Louisiana company, Envoc, with offices in Baton Rouge and Hammond. Envoc CEO Calvin Fabre says it comes with all kinds of convenient perks.

Cut 4  (09) “expires”

The app is a useable substitute for any state based license checks, like traffic stops, and in the near future could be valid for ID checks in bars, other states, and at the airport. In the event someone totally clears you out, taking your wallet and phone, Fabre says you can still access your license on other devices.

Cut 5  (09)  “your license”

Often states have to look outside their borders for software development, usually to the west coast, but this time a home grown tech company took the lead producing the first digital driver’s license app for a state in the United States. Fabre says this is good indicator of the healthy growth in the Bayou tech sector.

Cut 6 (09) “friendly.”

LA Wallet comes with a $5.99 activation fee.

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Cut 7 (10)  “…time before that.”

US Senator John Kennedy, Congressman Ralph Abraham, Attorney General Jeff Landry and state senator Sharon Hewitt have been mentioned as possible candidates. Dubos doesn’t foresee any announcements until next year.

Cut 8 (10)  “..late in the game.”

Dubos says he anticipates declarations of office runs will be held off until 2019, but says anything could happen.

Cut 9 (09)  “…declare at anytime.”

Earlier this year, Edwards reported having more than five-million dollars in his campaign war chest. Dubos expects the governor to keep raising money for a tough re-election bid.

Louisiana ranks second in the South for strongest economic development results for 2017 according to Southern Business & Development magazine. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says last year they announced DXC Technology is coming to New Orleans, plus an 800-million dollar LNG production and export facility in Lafourche Parish and LNG and chemical production continues to grow in Lake Charles thanks to…

Cut 10 (06)   “…state right now”

Lake Charles was titled Small Market of the Year for the eighth year in a row as they continue to secure capital investment projects. Pierson says the infrastructure in place it should keep growing…

Cut 11 (10) “…as well”

The success is spilling over into the major cities of Louisiana with Baton Rouge earning an Honorable Mention for Major Market of the Year. Pierson says the state’s economy looks to be getting stronger…

Cut 12 (08) “…in Lousisiana”

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Billions in Chinese tariffs went into effect Friday, and Louisiana industries are bracing for what could be a rocky ride. A recent Forbes report showed Louisiana as the most at risk state for negative effects from tariffs due to its export and shipping based economy. Port of New Orleans VP Robert Landry says the Chinese tariffs on steel will have ripple effects throughout all economies that rely on Mississippi river shipping.

Cut 13 (12)  “world marketplace” 

Landry says right off the bat, he expects hours to be cut back at the port for the men who load and transfer goods from international shipping barges

Cut 14 (10) “who do.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson also expressed concern about the tariff’s impact on the state’s economy. He highlighted the damage that could be inflicted on Louisiana’s agriculture industry that ships massive qualities of goods overseas.

A pioneer in cardiovascular health, New Orleans surgeon John Ochsner, has passed away at the age of 91. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Essence Festival has started in New Orleans, bringing three days of entertainment some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and culture. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

The man who performed the first heart transplant in the Gulf South has passed away in New Orleans. Doctor John Ochsner conducted over 12-thousand surgeries during a 57 year career. He passed away at the age of 91. President of the Ochsner Health System, Warner Thomas, calls Doctor Ochnser an icon in the industry

cut 9 (10)  “…as well”

Thomas says Doctor Ochsner pioneered valve and coronary surgery and received the prestigous Michael E DeBakey Surgical Award in 2000. He says Doctor Ochsner’s patients had the utmost respect for him

Cut 10 (09) “…amazing outcomes.”

Doctor Ochsner’s father, Alton Ochsner, helped found the Ochsner health care system. Doctor John Ochsner stopped performing surgeries at 75-years-old, but was still involved with the clinic on a daily basis…

Cut 11 (11) “…do better.”

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Essence Fest has kicked off today in New Orleans, taking over the city for three days as some of the biggest names in entertainment take the town. Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Snoop Dog headline the show tonight, and New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s bureau Spokesperson Kristian Sonnier says that’s not all.

Cut 12 (10)   “and more”

Temperatures will be in the upper 80s all weekend in the Crescent City, with decent chances for afternoon showers throughout the event. Sonnier says that shouldn’t scare you away, because Essence Fest is indoor fun.

Cut 13 (09) “air conditioning” 

Most of the festival takes place in Morial Convention Center by day, where speakers and workshops for personal development will be offered, and by night for concerts at the Super Dome. Sonnier says if you get hungry, there’s great options right nearby.

Cut 14 (11) “around there.”

Suspected members of the famed Felony Lane Gang were arrested with a treasure trove of illicit goods, including credit cards, Social Security cards, and pot. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A 15-year-old escapes captivity where he’d allegedly been hog tied and tortured at a home in Sulphur. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

An Arnaudville teen has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted first-degree murder following an early Wednesday morning police pursuit.  St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Major Ginny Higgins says 17-year-old Dartamian Landry refused to pull over when deputies attempted a traffic stop.

cut 9 (08)  “…and a pursuit ensued.”

Higgins says the suspect continued to drive at a high rate of speed for quite some time, when things turned south for the teen behind the wheel.

Cut 10 (09) “…with a traffic stop.”

Higgins says it appears that the suspect intentionally aimed his vehicle at deputies when the crash occurred, injuring the officers involved.

Cut 11 (10) “…for their injuries.”

Landry was booked at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center with a bond set at $550k.

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A 40-year-old man is under arrest after his 15-year-old son escaped captivity from a home in Sulphur where authorities say he was torturing the young man. Thomas Winniger and his girlfriend 34-year-old Desirae Tomcannin have been charged with 2^nd degree cruelty to a juvenile and false imprisonment. Calcasieu Parish Sherriff Tony Mancuso says the details of the crime are disturbing.

Cut 12 (12)   “feet together”

Authorities suspect the minor has been kept out of school for some time now while the torture was taking place.

Mancuso says little is known about the family at this time, or Winninger, who hails from Sylvester Georgia, or than they suspect they move from place to place frequently. Mancuso says you could never justify the putting anyone through that kind of pain, which makes the arbitrary reasons given for the punishment that much more concerning.

Cut 13 (10) “that’s terrible” 

Mancuso says the teenager made his escape to a neighbor’s house, where a 911 call was placed, by outsmarting his captors.

Cut 14 (12)  took off.”

Soggy conditions are expected in Louisiana this week.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Demarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo have left the New Orleans Pelicans, but some young blood has been brought in to fill the All-Star sized holes left in the roster. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by former Ragin Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton and six-foot-nine forward Julius Randle. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says it’s definitely a mixed bag for Pels fans, but could really pay off.

cut 9 (11)  “proven guys”

Payton, a native of Gretna, starred for the Rajun Cajuns, and was the tenth pick in the 2014 draft, playing four years in Orlando, before a stop in Phoenix last year.  Kushner says Payton is a poor shooter, but can handle the ball and play solid defense.

Cut 10 (12) “either”

The 24-year-old Payton signed a one-year, 2.7 million dollar contract with New Orleans.

Julius Randle, a Dallas native, played one year at Kentucky before leaving college for the NBA, where he was drafted 7^th in 2014 draft by Los Angeles. He missed his entire rookie year, but has grown steadily every year since then seeing a steady uptick in points and efficiency. Kushner says he’s a high upside pick up.

Cut 11 (10) “defender”

The 23-year-old Randle signed a 2-year, 18 million dollar contract with a player option to opt out in year two.

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Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Despite what The Cooking Channel might tell you, Foster says don’t throw that steak in a pan or the oven.

Cut 12 (07)   “eating experience”

Everybody knows about chuck for burgers and ribeyes for steak eaters, but for those looking to change things up, and get the most bang for their buck, Foster says grab a chuck.

Cut 13 (11) “single person” 

And for those looking for a lower fat, more health conscience cut of meat, Foster says they’re definitely out there, even if they don’t measure up to the feeling of sinking your teeth into a juicy, fatty ribeye.

Cut 14 (09)  “bit leaner.”

Foster says those looking for medium steaks should make sure those cuts are 140 to 145 degrees in the center, and those looking for well-done should buy chicken instead.

The Bossier Educational Excellence Fund, or BEEF, started with just $500,000 in 1985, but as a result of gaming tax revenue, the fund has grown to over $50 million. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The traffic death of a Sterlington officer in 2016 has yielded a 15 year sentence for a 46-year-old Louisianan. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The man who struck and killed a Sterlington police officer, David Elahi with his car in 2016 was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. 46-year-old Tracy Govan was found guilty of vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injury in February. Govan’s Attorney, Louis Scott, says it’s a shocking sentence considering his client’s clean record and the fact that the crime was an accident.

cut 9 (09)  “that nature”

Elahi was standing behind the fog line conducting a traffic stop when Govan’s vehicle crossed over the marker and struck three officers. Prosecutors say Govan was intoxicated, because two hours later he blew a .062 blood alcohol level, but Scott says thats not above the legal limit.

Cut 10 (12) “.08”

Elahi says it’s a gross over sentencing of his client, considering the sentences handed out for similar crimes in Judge Carl Sharp’s courtroom.

Cut 11 (08) “years”

District Attorney Steve Tew praised the sentence, saying “We hope the family of the officer can now find a way to heal from this horrific tragedy.”

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The fiscal cliff is officially gone as the Revenue Estimating Conference recognized 500-million dollars in revenue that will be used to shield TOPS, public colleges and most state agencies from cuts after July 1st. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne led the meeting, one day after the governor signed a new sales tax bill into law…

Cut 12 (11)   “…we have.”

Most of the new revenue comes from the legislature’s decision to renew nearly half of an expiring one-cent sales tax. The Revenue Estimating Panel heard from the state’s legislative economist and then Dardenne called for a vote to recognize the money…

Cut 13 (07) “…recognized.” 

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The Pope has appointed a new Bishop to preside over the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Bishop Michael Duca will be transferred from Shreveport, where he’s been for the last ten years. He’s replacing Bishop Robert Muench, who’s held the position since 2002. Duca says he didn’t see it coming, but he’s looking forward to serving the people of Baton Rouge.

Cut 14 (10)  “reservation.”

Duca, who previously served in Texas, as well as Shreveport, says he’s got a lot to learn about the culture of the southern portion of the boot.

Cut 15 (13) “don’t know.”

The state, and nation, has seen a rash of recent incidents involving misconduct from Catholic priests, including a recent confession from a father in Acadiana who admitted to sexual misconduct with a minor. Duca says if something like that were to happen under his watch, he wouldn’t hide it.

Cut 16  (10) “immediatley.”

The legislature’s decision to renew a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax will provide funding to begin operating a new juvenile justice facility in Bunkie. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The newly passed budget and tax plan has Louisianans taking stock of the two brutal years of fiscal uncertainty that led to last night’s compromise deal. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Summer is back with a vengeance as State Climatologist Barry Keim tells us we can expect higher than normal temperatures through the week due to a high pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico which will see higher humidity levels and reduced cloud cover.

cut 9 (12)  “…between 100 to 110.”

Keim says the conditions will likely run through this upcoming weekend and that the morning temps will see the biggest jump compared to average levels for this time of the year.

Cut 10 (13) “…this time of year”

Keim does recommend to utilize caution with such intense heat in the area.

Cut 11 (07) “…just a bit”

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After a stop at a gas station in Grand Coteau this weekend, someone is now $2 million richer.  The St. Landry Parish convenience store has produced other big lottery winners in recent months and news of the luck at the establishment has gotten around.  The 1 Stop store owner, Nasir Sohail, says more people are showing up at his business with high hopes.

Cut 12 (08)   “…somebody got lucky again.”

The Powerball ticket sold over the weekend has yet to be claimed.  Sohail explains that although this particular winner didn’t match up all the numbers with the recent drawing, it was enough to land the sizable prize.

Cut 13 (10) “…with a power play.” 

Among those that have seen the luck of the store is Sohail himself, who in December won $350,000 playing the Louisiana Lottery.  He is also expecting a kickback from this most recent win at his store.

Cut 14 (08)  “…still getting lucky.”

Senate leaders have proposed a way for cuts not to occur if the fiscal cliff arrives without a sales bill passing in this third special session. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Slidell couple is in jail facing multiple charges for drugs and dog fighting following an investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

US Senator John Kennedy has attached an amendment to an appropriations bill to keep taxpayer money from going towards first-class airline tickets for federal employees. Kennedy says there’s only two reasons why a federal worker should receive a taxpayer funded first-class ticket….

cut 9 (10)  “…abused”

The Senator says a federal audit found that federal employees have been misusing allowable upgrades to ride first class in 56-percent of cases. He says in a recent three-year period an extra one-million dollars in taxpayer money went to unnecessary first class tickets…

Cut 10 (05) “…will do”

In a report released last March, EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt allegedly spent 105-thousand dollars on first class flights in his first year on the job. Kennedy says if his amendment makes it through Congress, even agency heads will not be able to fly first class unless there’s a legitimate medical or security reason…

Cut 11 (12) “…priviledge”

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A four star quarterback from Alabama announced on Twitter he plans on attending LSU. Peter Parrish’s verbal commitment gives the Tigers 14 commitments for their 2019 class. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Parrish can run a speedy 4.5 in the 40 and scouts say he’s improving as a passer

Cut 12 (09)   “…offered him.”

LSU has four quarterbacks competing to be the starter in 2018 and Moran says they have more signal callers on their way for a position that’s given the Tigers problems over the last decade

Cut 13 (12) “…the position” 

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After a week of difficult negotiations the House has approved legislation that sets Louisiana’s sales tax rate at 4.45 percent through mid-2025. That  would be enough revenue to prevent cuts to higher education and the TOPS scholarship program next fiscal year. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis had this message before the critical vote

Cut 14 (12)  “constitutents.”

Since the first special session in February, lawmakers have struggled to figure out a way to renew part of an expiring one-cent sales tax. Democrats  pushed for half-a-cent renewal, while in this session Republicans sought four-tenths of a cent. They eventually comprised at .45 percent. Davis congratulates the two sides for coming together

Cut 15 (11) “…their services.”

The measure needed 70 votes to pass and it got 74. It brought a sigh of relief to lawmakers who have been trying to solve the fiscal cliff

Cut 16  (07) “…applause.”

A group called Emerge Louisiana says they have successfully trained 22 women who plan to run for political office and they will graduate from their program on Saturday. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Becca Dill.“

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Louisiana’s Republican Delegation in Washington DC says the Farm Bill approved by the House protects farmers and improves the food stamp program. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Michael Farrar” 

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Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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An organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for the challenge of running for office will hold its inaugural graduation this weekend.  The Emerge Louisiana event will  honor 22 class members who completed 70 hours of in-depth candidate training.  Executive Director Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates in other states…

Cut 4  (08) “…a 70% win rate.”

Oubre says woman can look forward to learning many important factors of running for office.

Cut 5  (09)  “…in their campaign.”

In addition to the classes that take place in the program, Oubre says participants can expect to have a supportive community from Emerge Louisiana in the time beyond graduation.

Cut 6 (09) “…and the national level.”

Oubre says that two women in this graduating class have already announced they will be on ballots this fall and she says others will soon be announcing their candidacy for elections happening in 2019.

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Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham calls the passage of the Farm Bill in the US House a great days for America’s farmers. Abraham, who is the only member of Louisiana’s delegation on the agriculture committee, says it help farmers recover from natural disasters…

Cut 7 (06)  “…one more time.”

Abraham says the legislation heading to the Senate also requires able-body adults to either work or participate in a job training program for 20 hours per week in order remain eligible for food stamps. The Republican from  Richland Parish says job training is guaranteed in the bill….

Cut 8 (12)  “…this training”

Abraham says the House version of the Farm Bill also has provisions in it to help Louisiana dairy farmers. He says its an industry that has seen a sharp decline over the last decade as they’ve had trouble competing against the big dairy producers in Wisconsin…

Cut 9 (11)  “…sometime”

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Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redmond says soon those prices may be on the rise again.

Cut 10 (13)   “…going back up.”

How much could the price be increasing?  Redmond says the prices may be influenced by several factors.

Cut 11 (11) “…such as Russia.”

Redmond says this time of the year does prove to put gas in high demand, and this year may very well see extreme masses of travelers hitting the roadways.

Cut 12 (09) “…to be a record-breaker.”

Some reports indicate OPEC could be looking at an increase in production which would likely help ease the global crude prices.

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The House failed to pass a proposal to renew half a cent of an expiring one cent sales tax, as a way to generate revenue to avoid cuts to state services.  The measure received sixty votes, but it needs seventy in order to receive passage and head to the Senate.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the governor and Democrats want the half-a-penny renewal, while Republicans would prefer four-tenths….

Cut 13 (07)  “…in to the foreseeable future.” 

Alford says much of the dispute comes down to the goal of downsizing the government.

A video of Mike the Tiger has been spread across the web in recent days and has led his caretakers to set expectations on how visitors should interact with our beloved tiger.

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Becca Dill”

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The US Supreme Court ruled today that state can go after online retailers for sales taxes on purchases made by consumers. Jeff Palermo ahs the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana no longer leads the nation for its incarceration rate. Governor John Bel Edwards says that unwanted distinction goes to Oklahoma…

cut 9 (11)  “…incarceration rate”

According to the latest data made public by the Advocate Newspaper,  Oklahoma incarcerates 719 people per 100-thousand residents, while Louisiana is at 712 inmates per 100-thousand citizens. When running for office, Edwards promised to reduce the state’s prison population and last year the legislature approved 10 criminal justice reform bills to jump-start the process.

Cut 10 (03) “…better direction.”

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A U-S Supreme Court ruling issued today gives states the authority to collect sales taxes on online purchases. Previously, Louisiana and other states couldn’t collect taxes on items bought from a warehouse or store that didn’t have a physical presence in their state. Global Tax Consultant Jason DeCuir says today’s ruling changes those rules

Cut 11 (11) “…taxes”

DeCuir says Louisiana will collect more tax revenue, but there’s not a firm timeline on when that will happen.

Cut 12 (13)   “…sales tax.”

The potential of Louisiana receiving more tax revenue in the future from online sales has worked its way into the debate at the state capitol as  lawmakers debate sales tax bills that would be used to close a budget deficit that hits on July 1st. But Decuir says additional online sales taxes are still months away

Cut 13 (07) “…couple of weeks” 

There are over two thousand nursing programs throughout the United States, but only one can be ranked number one.  Kevin Barnhart tells us who.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The curtain call of the crawfish season is approaching. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The curtain call of crawfish season is approaching throughout the state of Louisiana.  David Savoy with the Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association says there is still activity with harvesting at this time, but most of the crawfish may not be finding their way into boiling pots this year.

cut 9 (07)  “…for next year.”

This season got off to a late start due to the cold weather the state received this past winter.  Savoy says things are starting to slow down a bit with the production of crawfish.

Cut 10 (07) “…losing their water”

For those that may have noticed smaller than normal mudbugs this year, it was because the harvesting began a little early in the developmental process of the crawfish.

Cut 11 (12) “…pretty darn good.”

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A House committee heard testimony on tax bills during the first full day of the latest special session, but took no votes. That frustrated at least one lawmaker, Jackson Representative Kenny Havard, who has authored a bill to renew a portion of the one-cent sales tax that expires June 30th

Cut 12 (05)   “…thank you.”

Havard’s legislation would generate 507-million dollars and prevent cuts to college campuses, TOPS and public safety programs. Some Republicans would prefer to renew less than half of a penny, but Havard says if the state is going to raise taxes after July 1st, he’d rather raise enough, so no cuts are made…

Cut 13 (05) “…at us.” 

Meanwhile in House Appropriations, panel members questioned Louisiana Health Department’s budget which Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala has grown 56-percent over a 10-year period

Cut 14 (05)  “control this.”

Many Republicans say the governor’s decision to expand the Medicaid program in 2016 is costing the state way too much money. But state Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says Medicaid has led to better health care for the state’s working poor, which is a cost savings

Cut 15 (07) “….too late.”

The state health department is not slated for any cuts next fiscal year.

Cut 16  (12) “…their services are.”